The Medford Historical Society & Museum was organized in 1896 by concerned citizens from the city of Medford. In 2013 we added “Museum” to our name to mark our organization as the city’s museum.
The original purpose of MHS was to collect and preserve the history of this historic city, to correct the myths that had grown up over the years, to build a historical library, to collect the artifacts of local history, and to celebrate historical anniversaries. Today, the mission of MHSM is to collect, preserve, and promote an inclusive understanding of Medford’s history, offering educational lectures and programs to the general public.
One of their first projects was to sponsor a historical festival, “On the Banks of the Mystic,” in 1896.
Shortly thereafter they started the Medford Historical Register, which appeared quarterly until 1943. This printed original research and other interesting information about the city, thus preserving a great deal of local history that would otherwise have been lost.
If you’d like to join us, click here for Membership Information.
Join us in building a shared sense of Medford’s history and rich diversity. If you’d like to make a donation, download our: printable donation form in pdf format.
First headquarters
Our first headquarters in 1896 was in an historic house built in 1800 at 2 Ashland Street, the birthplace of Lydia Maria Child in 1802, and where the famous “Medford crackers” were made. Members vacated the property in 1915, moving temporarily to rented quarters at 6 Main Street. The next year they built their present headquarters at 10 Governors Avenue in a Spanish Mission style building designed by the president of the Society, Moses W. Mann at a cost of just over $6600.
Historic Tablets
Throughout the city, bronze tablets mark historic sites in the city. They interpret the history connected with Medford’s old industries, local celebrities and culture as they were understood in the 1990s. Some recent discoveries have been made that requires re-framing some of these incorrect narratives. See more about this initiative here.
Preservation
In recent years, the Society has been active in cataloging and preserving our collections. We are also slowly modernizing our headquarters on Governors Avenue, which now celebrates 106 years. We also sponsor historic bicycle tours, give presentations to school-age youth; holding regular meetings with talks on the city’s history; and continue to preserve our collection of Civil War photographs.
MHSM Bylaws and Founding Documents
Strategic Plan
MHSM created a Strategic plan in 2014 spearheaded by Susan and David Fedo. MHSM is looking toward the future for our next Strategic planning post 2022. Click here to download the 2014-2016 plan in printable PDF format.
Officers of the Society 2024-2025
| President/Treasurer John Anderson Vice-President Jay Stott Assistant Treasurer Will Miller Recording Secretary Meg Bowen Corresponding Secretary Anne Marie Gallagher |
Director of Collections Heather Champigny Board Members at Large Martha Reagan Susan Gerould Will Tenney Sandy Lawrence Volunteer Coordinator –open– Chair of Programs and Events Committee Meg Bowen |